How Might Older Nonelderly Medicaid Adults with Disabilities Be Affected By Work Requirements in Section 1115 Waivers

Once again the government is overlooking the fact that a large percentage of elderly adults also suffer from a disability. Their options for satisfying the work related requirements being passed are, in all likelihood, extremely limited.

Older nonelderly adults may face age-related barriers to complying with work requirements, and these barriers may be compounded for those who also have a disability. For example, people with low incomes are likely to be working in jobs with physical demands, such as being on one’s feet all day, walking, carrying or lifting heavy items, or performing repetitive motions. These jobs can be increasingly difficult to perform as people age.